Financial Blog

Buying a car, whether brand new or secondhand, is a big decision. And one of the most crucial steps in this process is taking it for a test drive.

A test drive isn’t just about seeing if the car runs. It is also an opportunity for you to find out if it fits your lifestyle, spot any issues, and determine if the price matches the condition.

Here’s what you should look out for before you buy:

• Plan your route wisely.

Don’t just drive around the corner. As much as possible, drive on roads with varying conditions. Start with city streets to see how it handles stop-and-go traffic. You should also drive on highways or open roads to evaluate its performance on higher speeds. Lastly, drive on uneven or bumpy roads to assess suspension and overall durability.

Another tip is to bring a friend or someone who is knowledgeable about cars to get a second opinion

• Review the basics.

Before taking in on the actual test drive, do a quick walkaround. Here’s what to look for:

• Do all doors open and close smoothly?
• Are the seat adjustments working properly?
• Are the mirrors intact and easy to adjust?
• Are the dashboard lights functioning as they should?

Once you are seated in the driver’s seat, check your visibility and ask yourself: “Do I feel comfortable and in control?”

• Listen and be observant.

Don’t open the radio or connect to bluetooth for music just yet. Listen carefully first! 

Pay attention to any unusual sounds:

• Are there rattling noises from the engine?
• Do the brakes squeak when you slow down?
• Does the car make strange noises when driving over bumps (a possible suspension issue)?
• How does the steering feel? Is it too loose, or does it pull to one side?

Use all your senses! Listen to how it sounds, feel how it drives, and observe how it responds.

• Check for comfort and convenience.

Comfort is a very important aspect, especially if you plan to use the car daily. 

Check if the car seats are supportive and adjustable to your liking. Make sure the controls and infotainment system are easy to reach and use. Look around: is there enough legroom and headroom, especially for backseat passengers?. 

And, of course, with the Philippine heat, a properly working air conditioner is a must.

A car’s looks and performance may be great—but if it isn’t comfortable to drive, it may not be the right one for you.

• Test all key functions.

While on your test drive, be sure to check how all the essential features perform. Pay attention to the following:

• Brakes: Are they responsive? Do they make any unusual sounds?
• Acceleration: Does the car pick up speed smoothly, or is there a delay?
• Clutch and gear shifts: (for manual cars) Are they smooth and easy to engage?
• Reverse gear and parking sensors: Do they function properly?
• Wipers, horn, lights, and power windows: Everything should be in good working condition.

Also, don’t forget to test how the car handles parking. Try parallel parking or backing into a tight spot to assess visibility and maneuverability.

• Ask the right questions.

Especially if you’re buying secondhand, do not hesitate to ask questions.

• What is the reason for selling the car?
• Has it been involved in any accidents?
• Has anything been recently repaired or replaced?
• Are there any quirks, issues, or upcoming repairs you should be aware of?

The answers to these questions can help you assess whether the deal is really sulit.

A test drive isn’t just about seeing if the car works, it’s about making sure it works for you. Be thorough, take your time, and trust your instincts.

If you think you already found “the one”, Security Bank Auto Loan can help you drive it home! We offer flexible payment terms, competitive interest rates, financing for both pre-owned and brand new cars. 

You can also check our used cars on sale, see which one best fits your lifestyle and budget.

When you’re ready, Security Bank can help you get closer to driving the car that suits your lifestyle. Apply for an Auto Loan now!